Keralam will establish model plants for plastic waste disposal and waste-to-energy conversion within two years, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said at the launch of the Local Self-Government Department’s five-year Nirmalam campaign. The initiative aims to create systems that can be adopted by other states and make Keralam completely waste-free by March 30, 2031.

Satheesan said the state planned to establish two or three model plants for plastic waste disposal and four or five facilities to convert regular waste into power. He said Keralam should become a destination for officials and representatives seeking to study effective waste management systems, rather than depending on other states for models.

The campaign has been structured as a comprehensive action plan with specific targets and timelines across three phases. Satheesan said waste management was among the state’s biggest challenges and stressed the need to make scientific treatment of biodegradable, non-biodegradable and electronic waste part of civic culture.

He said local bodies, including municipalities and panchayats, should provide clear instructions on segregation, storage, collection, transportation and final processing. Waste should be processed and minimised at household level before material that could not be managed there was collected and taken to designated facilities. Covered vehicles would be required to prevent spillage, foul odour and public exposure during transit.

Large-scale projects are being launched in Kozhikode and Kochi with support from Bharat Petroleum Corporation and other agencies. Kochi Corporation has allocated an additional 12 acres for a new project, while the government will support local bodies through central and state schemes and funding. Satheesan also backed identifying dumping sites within 100 days, followed by community clean-up drives and sustained maintenance. He cautioned local bodies against shell companies making exaggerated claims about foreign technologies, and urged them to consider experienced companies and proven models. The programme also includes cleaning canals and streams, with maintenance aimed at allowing boating activities in the future.